Adaptive Management and the Delta Plan Include a

Adaptive Management and the Delta Plan “Include a science-based, transparent, and formal adaptive management strategy for ongoing ecosystem restoration and water management decisions. ” (Water Code § 85308(f)) “‘Adaptive management’ means a framework and flexible decision-making process for ongoing knowledge acquisition, monitoring, and evaluation leading to continuous improvements in management planning and implementation of a project to achieve specified objectives. ” (Water Code § 85052)

Adaptive Management Development • Ecosystem Management (early 1990 s) – Founded with the goal of long-term sustainability of ecosystem structures and processes (Christensen et al. 1996, Ecological Applications) • Adaptive Management (late 1990 s) – Embrace uncertainty and risk in natural resources management (Johnson 1999, Ecology and Society) • Adaptive Co-Management (early 2000 s) – Adaptive management with the sharing of power and responsibility among local user communities and resource management agencies (Folke et al. 2002, Ambio)

Adaptive Management Definitions “[A] Framework of on-going knowledge acquisition, monitoring, and evaluation leading to continuous improvement in the identification and implementation of management” (Healthy Waterways Initiative 2005) “A flexible, learning-based management approach in which natural systems are managed to ensure their recovery and improvement, while an understanding of how these systems function is developed to raise the effectiveness of future management actions. ” (Lund et al. 2010)

Healthy Waterways Initiative – Southeast Queensland SE Queensland’s waterways and catchments are not healthy Adjust plans and upgrade operations Report cards, annual technical report, web communication, science road show Conclusions & recommendations Implement studies & on-going monitoring Vision: Healthy living ecosystems by 2020 Conceptual models, hydrodynamic transport model Water Quality Management Strategy: Targeted research, pilot and full-scale projects Design staged studies & on-going monitoring program

Adaptive Management Framework Define/ Redefine the Problem (Findings) Respond/ Adapt Establish Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures Model Linkages Between Objectives and Proposed Action(s) Communicate Current Understanding Analyze, Synthesize & Evaluate Implement Action(s) and Monitoring Select Action(s): Research, Pilot, or Full-scale Design Implementation Action(s) with Monitoring

Proposed Adaptive Management Governance Structure Delta Stewardship Council Adaptive Management Team Stakeholders/ Agencies Interagency Ecological Program & Delta Science Program Delta Independent Science Board